Nick Nurse has some high praise towards Sixers forward Jabari Walker, who shined in the Sixers matchup against the Utah Jazz
When the Philadelphia 76ers added Jabari Walker, the goal was to implement more depth to their frontcourt and to their lineup.
After joining Philadelphia on a two-way deal during the offseason, Walker has made significant strides throughout the season, leaving a strong impression on 76ers head coach Nick Nurse and his coaching staff. His performance ultimately earned him a standard deal that will keep him on the team through the 2027 season.
Nurse recently had plenty of positive things to say about Walker following the team's 106-102 win over the Utah Jazz.
“Obviously we've been trying to get him to play like that right," Nurse said. “I said this a long time ago, like he’s a really good shooter. Just have to get used to the NBA feel and having enough to pull the trigger on them and being noticeably better in these last few games and he’s just running the floor. It comes to him, and he’s open and not much hesitation on his right and he’s always been good on the glass, so it’s nice that he could make some really good defensive rebounds for us, but that’s good. It’s a good plus for us.”
It seems without other stars in the lineup like Joel Embiid and Paul George, other players have been called upon to step up in a major way for the 76ers, and Walker has responded to the call.
The former Colorado Buffalo came up big time for the Sixers in their victory over the Jazz. The emerging forward posted 22 points and 10 rebounds while also knocking down the final free throws to secure the win for the 76ers.
He also had 20 points in the Sixers' loss to the San Antonio Spurs, though the majority of his points came in garbage time.
Walker has fully embraced his role with the Sixers, stepping in to fill important gaps in the rotation this season while providing rebounding energy and scoring when called upon.
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Elijah Hamilton is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable.